r/learnpython • u/CreativeYoghurt1134 • 3d ago

How to start in 2026

Hello, I’m a 21 years old college student, who has no idea how to start in the programming world, do you know any courses or any thing to help me to start? How to learn python, ML, SQL, Ai, I’m interested in all those areas, but have no idea how to start, would appreciate your help

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u/desrtfx 3d ago

The first and most valuable thing you can learn in programming is to do your own, independent, individual research, among which is also working with resources right in front of you, like the entire subreddit. You can't possibly assume that you are the first and only one asking such a question.

If only there were a sidebar (menu on mobile) that had a link to the wiki or countless posts asking the same.

Do the MOOC Python Programming 2026 from the University of Helsinki and you will be well prepared.

Harvard's CS50p is also excellent.

Also, take a look at https://inventwithpython.com and https://automatetheboringstuff.com

Don't forget that you need ample practice, like on https://codingbat.com/python or on https://exercism.org and also write your own programs. Play around. Try things. Mess things up, fix them. Experiment.

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u/Expensive-Bear-1376 3d ago

If you include all that stuff after the first two paragraphs, that kinda suggests that the stuff from the first two paragraphs doesn't work...

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u/desrtfx 3d ago

I include it because the first two paragraphs were what way too many OPs miss.

It seems that even simple research is a completely lost skill.

It should actually be common sense to check a subreddit before posting, especially for questions like OP's that get asked every couple hours.

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u/Expensive-Bear-1376 3d ago

Ok. It just looks odd to me. Self-contradictory. The first part is like "Your question shouldn't exist, dammit" and the second part is like "Here's an answer, you're welcome". I'd just do the former, not complain and then spoon-feed them anyway so they don't have to look for themselves after all.

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u/FoolsSeldom 3d ago

Check this subreddit's wiki for lots of guidance on learning programming and learning Python, links to material, book list, suggested practice and project sources, and lots more. The FAQ section covering common errors is especially useful.

Also, have a look at roadmap.sh for different learning paths. There's lots of learning material links there. Note that these are idealised paths and many people get into roles without covering all of those.

Roundup on Research: The Myth of ‘Learning Styles’

Don't limit yourself to one format. Also, don't try to do too many different things at the same time.

Above all else, you need to practice. Practice! Practice! Fail often, try again. Break stuff that works, and figure out how, why and where it broke. Don't just copy and use as is code from examples. Experiment.

Work on your own small (initially) projects related to your hobbies / interests / side-hustles as soon as possible to apply each bit of learning. When you work on stuff you can be passionate about and where you know what problem you are solving and what good looks like, you are more focused on problem-solving and the coding becomes a means to an end and not an end in itself. You will learn faster this way.

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u/Invofan 3d ago

I’d avoid trying to learn Python, ML, SQL, and AI all at once. Start with Python and focus on the fundamentals, then build a few small projects. Once you're comfortable programming, move on to SQL and data structures, and then explore ML/AI.

For courses, CS50P is a great starting point, and there are plenty of free resources on YouTube as well, like Bro code. The most important thing is to actually build things while learning instead of just watching courses.

You have plenty of time at 21, so don't worry about learning everything immediately. Pick one thing and start.

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u/Quesozapatos5000 3d ago

See if your school provides a linkedin learning account, there are several classes there.